Killed for claiming to be a biker

SEATTLE - Federal jurors convicted three current and former Hells Angels yesterday of conspiring to run a motorcycle theft ring that prosecutors blamed for the 2001 death of a man who lied about being a member of the club.

The jury deliberated for nearly 12 days after more than two months of testimony detailing brutal beatings that authorities said were meant to punish people who crossed the bikers.

One former member of the Spokane chapter, Rodney Lee Rollness, was convicted of murder, racketeering, and trafficking in stolen motorcycles.

Another former Hells Angel, Joshua Binder, was convicted of conspiracy to commit racketeering and attempted interference with commerce by threats or violence, but jurors deadlocked on whether he was involved in killing Michael Walsh, who was shot to death, allegedly for falsely claiming to be a Hells Angel.

Binder and Rollness left the Hells Angels in 2003.

The chapter's president, Richard Allen "Smilin' Rick" Fabel, was found to have committed several acts of racketeering.

Walsh's niece was crying after the verdict.

"I can't say I'm happy they are guilty, but I'm happy there is justice," Rachelle Walsh said. "I'm happy for my family."

She said it's been difficult for her to explain to Michael Walsh's mother that he's not coming back; the woman has Alzheimer's disease and often forgets that her son was killed. *